About University of Reading

The University of Reading enjoys a world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise. Established as an extension college of Christ Church, Oxford in 1892, we received a Royal Charter in 1926. Campus life at the University of Reading has much to offer our 17,000 students. Our diverse student population offers a cosmopolitan experience, with around 20% international students coming from over 140 countries worldwide

Postgraduate study

Postgraduate students constitute around 45% of the total student population. We have an extensive selection of postgraduate programmes on offer spanning the arts, business, humanities, sciences and social sciences. Our programmes cover a range of academic, research and vocation areas, many of which are professionally accredited. All our programmes are designed by high quality staff, many with input from employers, to ensure that your education will equip you with the skills and expertise needed for a successful future.

Research

We are a research-intensive institution with a highly regarded reputation both nationally and internationally and as such attracted over £35m in research grants last year. The latest Research Assessment Exercise confirmed Reading’s standing as a leading research university. Over 50% was judged to be world leading or internationally excellent, with a further 37% being internationally recognised. Many of the units were in the top 10 nationally for their subject area, including Meteorology, Typography, Archaeology, Philosophy, Construction Management, Food Biosciences and Law. In addition, the Henley Business School at Reading is one of Europe's leading business schools.

Our research is funded through a variety of routes including through research council grants, charities, government agencies, European Commission, through enterprise and through industrial partnerships. Part of our approach is to engage and work collaboratively with other organisations and institutions around the world in order to make a significant contribution to societies needs and to national and international policy agendas.

Campus and facilities

Our magnificent setting is one of the University's greatest attractions and has been voted one of the UK’s best green spaces in the Green Flag People’s Choice award. Giving a relaxed feel to the University, 320 acres of green parkland surround a central hub of key buildings which the heart of the University. Our facilities include the University Library with over 1 million volumes, an award-winning Students Union, RUSU and extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities at the University SportsPark. We also offer a wide range of University accommodation all located on campus or within easy walking distance. Alongside all this we have a full range of services in place to care for students' health and wellbeing, including support for those from overseas or with special needs, housed in our dedicated Student Services Building.

All this is close to the centre of Reading with its lively mix of culture, nightlife, shops and eating-places. For those preferring country pursuits, the Chiltern Hills and the River Thames are close by. Reading has excellent transports links and is within easy travelling distance of London (just 25 minutes by train). There are also direct links to both London Heathrow and Gatwick airports.